Best AI Book Writing Software 2026: 10 Tools Compared (With Pricing)

AI book writing software has exploded in 2026. Every week brings new tools promising to write your bestseller. But which actually work for book-length content? We tested 10 of the most popular AI writing tools specifically for book creation, comparing features, output quality, pricing, and real-world usability.

What you'll learn: Which AI tools actually handle long-form book content, where each excels (fiction vs non-fiction), realistic pricing comparisons, and honest assessments of limitations. No affiliate fluff, just practical guidance.

Quick Comparison: Best AI Book Writing Software 2026

Tool	Best For	Price	Book Features
Inkfluence AI	Complete ebook workflow	Free / £4.99-£9.99/mo	Outline → chapters → cover → export
ChatGPT	Versatile writing assistant	Free / $20/mo	Writing only, no formatting
Claude	Long-form, nuanced content	Free / $20/mo	Writing only, 200K context
Sudowrite	Fiction writers	$19-$99/mo	Story engine, character tools
Jasper	Marketing content	$49-$125/mo	Templates, brand voice
NovelAI	Creative fiction	$10-$25/mo	Storytelling, image gen
Rytr	Budget writers	Free / $9-$29/mo	Basic writing, limited
Copy.ai	Short-form content	Free / $49/mo	Templates, workflows
Writesonic	SEO content	Free / $16-$499/mo	Article writer, SEO tools
Scrivener + AI	Traditional writers	$49 one-time + AI sub	Organisation + plugins

How We Evaluated These Tools

We tested each tool on the same task: creating a 10-chapter non-fiction ebook about productivity. We evaluated:

• Output quality: Coherence, depth, and readability of generated content
• Book-specific features: Outline generation, chapter structure, formatting
• Workflow efficiency: Time from idea to finished draft
• Export options: PDF, EPUB, DOCX capabilities
• Value for money: Features vs price for book projects

Most AI tools are built for short-form content. Only a few handle the unique challenges of book-length projects: maintaining consistency across chapters, tracking themes, and producing export-ready files.

1. Inkfluence AI: Best for Complete Ebook Workflow

Price: Free tier / Creator £4.99/mo / Premium £9.99/mo

Inkfluence AI is purpose-built for ebook creation. Unlike general AI writers, it handles the entire workflow: idea to outline, outline to chapters, chapters to formatted export. You don't just get text; you get a publication-ready ebook.

What makes it different:

• Blueprint system: Choose your book type (lead magnet, cookbook, how-to guide, etc.) and get a tailored structure
• Chapter-aware generation: AI understands it's writing chapter 5 of 12, maintaining flow and avoiding repetition
• Built-in formatting: Professional layouts without manual design work
• Multi-format export: PDF, EPUB, DOCX ready for Amazon KDP or any platform
• AI cover generation: Create matching book covers without leaving the app
• Audiobook conversion: Turn your ebook into an audiobook with 9 AI voices

Best for: Non-fiction authors, coaches creating course materials, marketers building lead magnets, entrepreneurs publishing guides. Anyone who wants to go from idea to published ebook without juggling multiple tools.

Limitations: Less suited for literary fiction requiring deep character development. The AI excels at structured content but won't replace a novelist's creative vision.

Verdict: If you're creating ebooks as part of your business (lead magnets, courses, client deliverables), Inkfluence offers the most complete workflow available. The free tier lets you test the full process.

2. ChatGPT (GPT-4): Best for Versatile Writing Assistance

Price: Free (GPT-3.5) / Plus $20/mo (GPT-4)

ChatGPT remains the Swiss Army knife of AI writing. It can draft chapters, brainstorm ideas, edit prose, and answer research questions. The GPT-4 model produces remarkably coherent long-form content when prompted correctly.

Strengths for books:

• Excellent at brainstorming and outlining
• Can match specified tones and styles
• Handles both fiction and non-fiction
• Massive knowledge base for research
• Custom GPTs allow specialised book assistants

Limitations:

• No built-in book structure (you manage chapters manually)
• No formatting or export features (copy-paste to other tools)
• Context window limits mean it "forgets" early chapters
• Requires significant prompt engineering for quality output

Best for: Writers who want AI assistance but prefer traditional tools for organisation. Great as a brainstorming partner or for generating specific sections. See our detailed Inkfluence AI vs ChatGPT comparison.

Verdict: Powerful writing assistant, but you'll need other tools for structure, formatting, and export. Best combined with a proper book writing environment.

3. Claude: Best for Long-Form Content and Nuance

Price: Free (limited) / Pro $20/mo

Anthropic's Claude has carved out a niche for thoughtful, nuanced writing. Its 200K token context window (vs ChatGPT's 128K) means it can "remember" more of your book while writing. Many authors find Claude's prose more natural and less robotic than GPT.

Strengths for books:

• Larger context window for book-length projects
• More nuanced, less formulaic writing style
• Better at maintaining voice consistency
• Strong analytical and research capabilities
• Less prone to clichés than some competitors

Limitations:

• Same workflow issues as ChatGPT (no book features)
• Can be overly cautious, refusing certain creative requests
• No image generation or formatting tools

Best for: Authors who prioritise writing quality over workflow features. Non-fiction writers who need research synthesis. See our Inkfluence AI vs Claude comparison.

Verdict: Arguably produces the most sophisticated prose of the major LLMs. But like ChatGPT, it's a writing assistant, not a book publishing platform.

4. Sudowrite: Best for Fiction Writers

Price: Hobby $19/mo / Professional $29/mo / Max $99/mo

Sudowrite is the only major AI tool built specifically for fiction. Its "Story Engine" understands narrative structure, and its tools for description, dialogue, and pacing are genuinely useful for novelists.

Strengths for books:

• Story Engine generates plot-aware content
• Character and world-building tools
• "Describe" and "Expand" features for prose refinement
• Understands fiction conventions (show don't tell, etc.)
• Canvas feature for visual story planning

Limitations:

• Poor for non-fiction (it's fiction-focused)
• Expensive for the feature set
• No export formatting (Word/Docs only)
• Writing can still feel generic without heavy editing

Best for: Novelists, especially those writing genre fiction (romance, thriller, fantasy). Writers who want AI that understands story structure. See our Inkfluence AI vs Sudowrite comparison.

Verdict: The best pure fiction AI tool. If you're writing novels and want AI that "gets" storytelling, Sudowrite is worth the investment. Not suitable for non-fiction.

5. Jasper: Best for Marketing-Focused Content

Price: Creator $49/mo / Pro $69/mo / Business $125/mo

Jasper built its reputation on marketing copy and remains strong in that domain. It's popular with content agencies and marketing teams who need high-volume output with brand consistency.

Strengths for books:

• Brand voice training for consistent tone
• Templates for common content types
• Team collaboration features
• Integrations with marketing tools

Limitations:

• Not designed for long-form books
• Expensive compared to alternatives
• Output can feel formulaic and "marketing-speak"
• No book-specific structure or export

Best for: Marketing teams creating content at scale. Businesses producing branded guides and reports. Not ideal for traditional books. See our Inkfluence AI vs Jasper comparison.

Verdict: Powerful for marketing content, but overkill and underpowered for actual book writing. Better suited to blog posts, ads, and sales copy.

6. NovelAI: Best for Creative Fiction and World-Building

Price: Tablet $10/mo / Scroll $15/mo / Opus $25/mo

NovelAI offers a different approach: AI models fine-tuned on creative fiction, plus image generation for character art and scenes. It's popular in the creative writing and fan fiction communities.

Strengths for books:

• Models trained specifically on fiction
• Lorebook feature for world-building consistency
• Image generation for character/scene visualisation
• Memory feature tracks story elements
• Affordable compared to competitors

Limitations:

• Writing quality below GPT-4/Claude
• Interface feels dated
• Requires significant editing
• No export or formatting tools

Best for: Hobbyist fiction writers, fan fiction authors, writers who want to visualise characters. Not for professional publishing without heavy editing.

Verdict: Fun creative tool with unique features like image generation. Output quality means it's better for drafting and exploration than final manuscripts.

7. Rytr: Best Budget Option

Price: Free (10K chars/mo) / Saver $9/mo / Unlimited $29/mo

Rytr offers solid AI writing at the lowest price point. The free tier is genuinely usable, and paid plans are affordable for budget-conscious writers.

Strengths for books:

• Very affordable
• Simple, no-learning-curve interface
• 20+ tones and use cases
• Plagiarism checker included

Limitations:

• Output quality below premium tools
• Limited customisation
• No book-specific features
• Better for short content than books

Best for: Writers on tight budgets who need basic AI assistance. Bloggers and content creators. Not recommended for book-length projects.

Verdict: Great value for short-form content. For books, you'll likely outgrow it quickly.

8. Copy.ai: Best for Short-Form Content

Price: Free (2000 words/mo) / Pro $49/mo / Enterprise custom

Copy.ai focuses on marketing copy, product descriptions, and social content. Its workflow automation features are useful for teams, but it's not designed for books.

Strengths: Good for headlines, ads, product copy, email sequences. Workflow automation for repetitive tasks.

Limitations: Not built for long-form. No book structure or export. Expensive for what you get vs competitors.

Best for: E-commerce teams, marketing departments. Not recommended for book writing.

Verdict: Skip this one for books. It's a marketing tool, not a writing tool.

9. Writesonic: Best for SEO Content

Price: Free (limited) / Pro $16/mo / Enterprise $499/mo

Writesonic has pivoted toward SEO content and article generation. Its Chatsonic feature competes with ChatGPT, and its article writer can produce long-form blog content.

Strengths: SEO optimisation built in. Article writer handles 3000+ word posts. Factual accuracy features with citations.

Limitations: Still focused on articles, not books. No chapter structure or book export. Quality varies significantly.

Best for: Content marketers, SEO agencies. Blog content at scale. Not suitable for book projects.

Verdict: Decent for SEO content. Look elsewhere for books.

10. Scrivener + AI Plugins: Best for Traditional Writers Adding AI

Price: Scrivener $49 one-time + AI subscription separately

Scrivener remains the gold standard for manuscript organisation. Authors who love its binder system can now add AI via plugins or by using ChatGPT/Claude alongside it.

Strengths:

• Best-in-class manuscript organisation
• Research storage, character sheets, notes
• Compile feature for flexible export
• One-time purchase (no subscription)
• Add any AI via copy-paste workflow

Limitations:

• Steep learning curve
• No native AI (must use external tools)
• Interface feels dated
• Manual workflow for AI integration

Best for: Experienced writers who already use Scrivener. Novelists writing complex, multi-year projects. Writers who want complete control.

Verdict: Still excellent for organisation. But the AI workflow is clunky compared to purpose-built tools. Best for writers who prioritise Scrivener's unique features.

Which AI Book Writing Software Should You Choose?

The best tool depends on what you're writing and how you work:

For Non-Fiction (Guides, How-To, Business Books)

Best choice: Inkfluence AI

Non-fiction benefits most from structured workflows. You need clear chapters, logical flow, and professional formatting. Inkfluence handles the entire process and exports directly to Amazon KDP formats.

For Lead Magnets and Marketing Content

Best choice: Inkfluence AI

Speed matters for marketing assets. Inkfluence's blueprint system generates complete lead magnets in minutes, with covers and professional formatting included.

For Literary Fiction

Best choice: Sudowrite or Claude

Fiction requires nuance, character development, and creative prose. Sudowrite understands story structure. Claude produces sophisticated writing. Neither handles formatting, so pair with Scrivener or a similar tool.

For Genre Fiction (Romance, Thriller, Fantasy)

Best choice: Sudowrite

Sudowrite's Story Engine is designed for genre conventions. It understands pacing, tension, and reader expectations for popular fiction categories.

For Research-Heavy Projects

Best choice: Claude or ChatGPT

When your book requires extensive research synthesis, the conversational LLMs excel. Use them for research, outlining, and drafting, then format elsewhere.

On a Tight Budget

Best choice: ChatGPT Free + Google Docs

The free tier of ChatGPT is remarkably capable. Pair it with Google Docs for writing and Canva for a basic cover. It's manual, but it works.

The Reality of AI Book Writing in 2026

Let's be honest about what AI can and can't do for your book:

AI excels at:

• Generating first drafts quickly
• Structuring and outlining content
• Overcoming writer's block
• Rephrasing and expanding ideas
• Handling repetitive sections
• Research synthesis

AI struggles with:

• Original insights and expertise
• Genuine emotional depth
• Unique voice and style (without training)
• Fact-checking (it hallucinates)
• Knowing what to write (you provide direction)

The best AI books combine human expertise with AI efficiency. You bring the ideas, knowledge, and editorial judgment. AI accelerates the execution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best AI for writing a book in 2026?

It depends on your book type. For complete ebook workflow (non-fiction, guides, lead magnets), Inkfluence AI offers end-to-end creation. For fiction, Sudowrite excels at story structure. For general writing assistance with maximum flexibility, ChatGPT and Claude are versatile options.

Can AI write an entire book?

Yes, AI can generate full book drafts. But quality varies significantly. The best results come from AI-human collaboration: AI handles structure and initial drafting, humans provide expertise, editing, voice refinement, and quality control. Pure AI-generated books often lack depth, originality, and the subtle expertise that makes books valuable.

Is it legal to publish AI-written books?

Yes, publishing AI-assisted books is legal. Amazon KDP, Apple Books, and other platforms allow AI content but may require disclosure. The copyright question is more nuanced: purely AI-generated content with no human creative input may not be copyrightable in the US. However, human-directed, human-edited AI content is generally protected. See our guide on how to self-publish on Amazon KDP for current requirements.

How much does AI book writing software cost?

Prices range from free (ChatGPT basic, limited free tiers) to $99/month for premium tools. Inkfluence AI starts at £4.99/month with a free tier. ChatGPT Plus is $20/month. Jasper starts at $49/month. Most tools offer free trials, so test before committing.

Will AI replace human writers?

Not for quality content. AI is a powerful tool that accelerates writing, but the best books still require human expertise, creativity, and judgment. Think of AI as a collaborator that handles tedious work while you focus on what matters: your unique insights, voice, and value proposition.

Getting Started With AI Book Writing

Ready to write your book with AI assistance? Here's a practical starting path:

1. Define your book: What's the topic? Who's the reader? What transformation do they want?
2. Choose your tool: Based on the comparisons above, pick the best fit for your project type
3. Create an outline: Use AI to brainstorm and structure your chapters
4. Generate drafts: Let AI create initial chapter content based on your outline
5. Edit ruthlessly: Add your expertise, fix errors, inject your voice
6. Format and export: Prepare for publishing (tools like Inkfluence handle this automatically)
7. Publish: Upload to Amazon KDP or your chosen platform

The entire process can take days instead of months. The key is treating AI as a first-draft generator, not a finished-product producer.

Ready to create your book? Try Inkfluence AI free and experience the complete ebook workflow: idea to published book in minutes.

Related Resources

• How to Self-Publish on Amazon KDP (2026)
• AI Book Writer Tool
• Inkfluence AI vs ChatGPT: Detailed Comparison
• Inkfluence AI vs Claude: Which is Better?
• AI Ebook Workflow: Outline to Export